Non-invasive penile erection device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or &#34;oz&#34; of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed. Removal of the diaphragm seal reduces the total pressure being exerted on the male genital, which causes the genital to deflate and facilitates the removal of the constrictor ring. The vacuum tube has an open end with a blunt area to reduce the pinching of the individual&#39;s skin between the tube and their hip bone. The open end of the vacuum tube also includes a double flange to facilitate accurate placement of the diaphragm on the tube. The erection device can be provided as a kit containing a rigid vacuum tube, an electric pump, and several diaphragm seals and constrictor rings of various sizes to achieve a custom fit and optimum results.

This is a continuation-in-part of application No. 08/892,719 filed July15, 1997, which is a continuation of aplication No. 08/583/781 filedJanuary 11, 1996.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection deviceusing a vacuum tube and a diaphragm that seals against a constrictorring placed at the base of the male genital to provide a comfortablecustomized fit at greater vacuum pressures to produce a more naturalerection.

BACKGROUND PRIOR ART

A variety of non-invasive, vacuum type penile inflation devices areavailable. These inflation devices use external vacuum pressure toreplace the body's natural ability to inflate the male genital or peniswith blood. The devices typically utilize a cylindrically shaped vacuumtube for receiving the penis, a diaphragm for sealing the open end ofthe vacuum tube around the penis and a pump for evacuating or removingair from the vacuum tube. When air is removed from inside the tube, thedecrease in pressure causes blood to enter and inflate the male genital.A constrictor ring is typically placed around the male genital after itis inflated to maintain the inflated state of the penis when the vacuumtube is removed. Examples of such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,641,638 to Perry, 4,753,227 to Yanuck, Jr., 4,856,498 to Osbon,5,125,890 to Merrill, and 5,344,389 to Walsdorf, the contents of whichare incorporated by reference.

One shortcoming of conventional penile inflation devices is that thediaphragm does not form a sufficiently air tight seal to produce adesired amount of vacuum pressure inside the tube. Even when gellubricants are applied to the diaphragm and male genital to improve theseal, air tends to leak between the diaphragm and the male genital. Thisair leakage reduces the amount of vacuum pressure attained inside thetube and the amount of inflation and stiffness of the male genital.Conventional penile inflation devices achieve about 14 to 16 inches ofmercury of vacuum pressure, while a fully inflated, usable erectionoften requires about 17 to 22 inches of mercury of vacuum pressure.

An additional shortcoming with the prior art is that the inflationdevices do not inflate and maintain the penis in an erect and usableposition. Conventional constrictor rings are designed to fit on andsecure to the substantially flat shaft portion of the penis. The ringsare not intended to fit around the increasingly larger diametered baseof the penis located adjacent the groin of the individual, especiallywhen inflated. The increasingly wider base creates a slope that causesthe constrictor ring to slide off the base and onto the shaft of thepenis. Conventional constrictor rings are also not designed to allow theroot or "oz" of the penis, which extends inwardly of the groin of theindividual, to be drawn into the constrictor ring. When the vacuum tubeis removed, only that portion of the shaft of the penis downstream ofthe constrictor ring remains inflated. The base and root of the penisremain or return to a flaccid state and the penis does not achieve andmaintain a natural erect position.

A still further problem with the prior art is that the flaccid base androot portions of the penis upstream of the constrictor ring create a"joint" about which the inflated shaft portion of the penis may bend.The inflated portion of the penis must be manipulated by hand duringuse, which can be especially difficult for paraplegic and quadriplegicindividuals or their partner.

A further problem of the prior art is that conventional constrictorrings used in various inflation devices are painful due to their narrowwidth and generally "rubber band" like shape. The edges of theconstrictor ring dig into the skin of the individual and causesubstantial pain.

A still further problem with conventional designs is that it isdifficult to position the constrictor ring on the base or root of themale genital after it is placed on the penis. The user must grip theedges of the narrow rubber band shaped constrictor ring to adjust theconstrictor ring and attempt to work it onto the base after its initialplacement on the shaft of the penis. This can be quite difficult whenthe edges of the constrictor ring are digging into the skin.

A still further problem of conventional designs is that the lubricantsused to help form the seal between the diaphragm and the male genitalare messy. Lubricant invariably spreads all over the inflation device,the hands and body of the individual, and the surroundings.

A still further problem of the prior art is that the diaphragm andconstrictor ring do not fit all individuals with equal comfort and equalresults. Different individuals require differently sized constrictorrings and diaphragms. A trial and error approach to obtaining acorrectly sized constrictor ring and diaphragm can be inconvenient andembarrassing given the nature of the product involved.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that themanufacturing costs can be excessive. The cost and number of componentsmaking up the penile erection device should be kept to a minimum. Theerection device should also cooperate with existing vacuum tube and pumpdesigns when possible to avoid expensive and time consumingmanufacturing modifications.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the openend or rim of the tube digs into the groin area of an individual whenvacuum pressure is applied inside the tube. The individual's skin ispinched between the rim of the tube and their hip bone. This isespecially painful when vacuum pressures near 16 inches of mercury andup are achieved.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that thediaphragm seal is not always secured to the tube in the same location.Individuals do not always seat the outer end of the diaphragm in itsproper location against the lip of the tube. The outer end of thediaphragm may be pulled too far back over the lip of the tube, or oneside of the seal may be pulled over the lip too far. Theseinconsistencies in placement result in inconsistencies in the stretchingof the diaphragm seal, which in turn results in inconsistencies in theoperation of the diaphragm seal, such as the shape of the diaphragm sealwhen flexed during use and the size and shape of the inner end of thediaphragm seal.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that they arecumbersome to operate. The individual must hold the tube firmly againsthis groin with one hand while repeatedly squeezing the hand pump withthe other. The need for lubricants only adds to the mess and difficultyin using these devices.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the inneredge of a conventional diaphragm seal has a round or circular crosssectional shape. This round shape only permits a small surface area ofthe inner end to engage the penis. Any pressure applied by the diaphragmseal to the penis to aid in the enlargement of the penis is applied overthis relatively small surface area. It is believed that the applicationof pressure in this manner may restrict arterial blood flow to thepenis, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the device.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that thediaphragm seal is designed to be removed after the penis has beenenlarged. The bulky, outwardly projecting, cone-like shape of thediaphragm would be a noticeable impediment to the individual and hispartner if it were left in place during sexual activity.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the rubberband can be difficult and painful to remove after use. Like a ring stuckon a swollen finger, the rubber band pinches into the sides of thepenis. There are frequently no handles for griping conventional rubberband designs for removal. Typical methods for removing the rubber bandsand constrictor rings are painful because the penis remains enlargedwhen the rubber band or constrictor ring is removed.

A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that thematerial used to make conventional vacuum tubes can be cracked orotherwise damaged during storage and handling. The risk of harming anindividual could arise if a damaged tube is subjected to high vacuumpressures during use.

The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection devicehaving a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a malegenital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially airtight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring isdesigned to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. Thesubstantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuumpressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designedto collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexualactivity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring toapply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of theconstrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuumpressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or "oz" of thepenis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection isachieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed. Removal of thediaphragm seal reduces the total pressure being exerted on the malegenital, which causes the genital to deflate and facilitates the removalof the constrictor ring. The vacuum tube has an open end with a bluntarea to reduce the pinching of the individual's skin between the tubeand their hip bone. The open end of the vacuum tube also includes adouble flange to facilitate accurate placement of the diaphragm on thetube. The erection device can be provided as a kit containing a rigidvacuum tube, an electric pump, and several diaphragm seals andconstrictor rings of various sizes to achieve a custom fit and optimumresults.

One advantage of the present invention is its ability to inflate theshaft, base and root portions of the male genital. The constrictor ringis designed to securely fit the base of the penis and draw a portion ofthe root of the penis into the constrictor ring when vacuum pressure isapplied to the inside of the vacuum tube. The inflation of the base androot portions of the penis causes the penis to rise to a more naturalerect position. The constrictor ring also maintains the penis in anerect position after the vacuum tube is removed.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that the hands ofthe individual may remain free during use because the base of the penisdoes not become flaccid after the vacuum tube is removed to form a"joint" about which the shaft of the penis can bend.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the constrictorring is designed to be easily positioned onto the base of the malegenital with the tabs of the ring abutting the groin of the individual.The tabs of the constrictor ring enable the individual to work the ringsecurely onto the increasing diameter or sloped shape of the base of themale genital. The constrictor ring is shaped to have an increasinginside diameter down the length of the ring moving from the outer edgeof the tubular portion to the inner end of the conical portion. Thisincreasing inside diameter enables the ring to stay fixed on the base ofthe penis both during inflation and use without sliding down the shaftof the penis.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the inner andouter ends of the constrictor ring are rounded to provide a comfortablefit by helping to prevent the constrictor ring from digging into theskin of the individual.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the diaphragmis designed to form a substantially air tight seal against theconstrictor ring. The tubular portion of the constrictor ring has apredetermined diameter that increases slightly moving from the outer endtoward the inner end of the constrictor ring. The inner end of thediaphragm has a thick, rounded shank with a predetermined diameter thatis substantially equivalent to the diameter of the outer end of thetubular portion of the constrictor ring. When air is removed from thevacuum tube, the tubular portion of the constrictor ring slides into thediaphragm seal to form a relatively air tight seal. This seal enablesthe vacuum pump to obtain a sufficient level of vacuum pressure toinflate the penis and draw a portion of the root of the penis into theconstrictor ring. This allows the penis to achieve a more naturalerection both while the vacuum tube is in use and after the vacuum tubehas been removed.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that no messylubricants are necessary to form the seal between the constrictor ringand the diaphragm.

A still further advantage of the present invention is its reliabilityand ease of use. A loader is provided for placing the ring on the baseof the penis. The tabs enable the individual to slide the ring from thenarrow receiving end, down the length of the loader to its wider openend. After the penis is inserted into the open end of the loader, theindividual can grip the tabs to pull the ring off the loader and ontothe base of the penis. The tabs also permit the individual to furtheradvance the ring down the base of the penis so that a portion of theroot of the penis can be inflated during use. The ease with which anindividual can position the constrictor ring on the base of the penishelps ensure that a more natural erection is attained by the individualduring each use.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that a pluralityof differently sized diaphragm seals and constrictor rings can beprovided in a kit that includes all the penile erection devicecomponents. The individual can select the diaphragm and constrictor ringthat fits them best for a customized, comfortable fit that produces goodresults in the privacy of their own home. Inconvenient and embarrassingtrips to a doctor or store are not necessary.

A still further advantage of the present invention is found in itsinexpensive component costs and its relative ease of manufacture. Forexample, the present vacuum tube can be manufactured using relativelyinexpensive conventional plastic tubes. The flexible diaphragm andconstrictor ring designs can be efficiently incorporated into aconventional vacuum tube and pump designs so that expensive and timeconsuming manufacturing costs are avoided.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the open endof the tube has a blunt area spread out the force and reduce the amountof pressure applied by the tube to the groin area of the individual whenvacuum pressure is achieved inside the tube. This reduces the amount ofpain and pinching of the individual's skin between the outer end of thetube and their hip bone. This is especially important when vacuumpressures around or above 16 inches of mercury are achieved.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the outer endof the vacuum tube is provided with a double flange for receiving theouter end of the diaphragm seal. The double flange shape provides apositioning channel for receiving the outer end of the diaphragm seal.Individuals can more easily secure the diaphragm seal to the tube in itsproper centered location each time it is placed on the tube. The outerend of the diaphragm seal is not pulled too far back over the lip of thetube, nor is one side of the diaphragm seal pulled over the lip too far.This consistent placement results in a consistent, even stretching ofthe diaphragm seal over the tube. This results in the consistentoperation of the diaphragm seal. The inner end is stretched more evenlyto achieve a circular shape for engaging the penis, so that thediaphragm applies pressure evenly around the surface of the malegenital.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that it is easy tooperate. The control plug and electric pump facilitate easy operation ofthe device. The vacuum gauge, power switch and vacuum relief valve arecentrally located for ease of use.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the inneredge of a conventional diaphragm seal has a "tear drop" cross sectionalshape. This tear drop shape enables a larger surface area of the innerend to engage the surface of the male genital. Pressure applied by thediaphragm seal to the genital to aid in the inflation of the genital isapplied over this larger surface area. It is believed that theapplication of pressure in this manner facilitates arterial blood flowto the penis, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the device.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that the diaphragmseal is designed to collapse over the constrictor ring. When about 17inches of mercury in vacuum pressure is achieved, the diaphragm sealinverts into an "S" shape. After the male genital has been fullyenlarged and the vacuum tube is removed, the diaphragm collapses into arelatively compact "S" shape around the constrictor ring. When in thiscollapsed shape, the diaphragm is not a noticeable impediment to theindividual and his partner during sexual activity.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that thecooperating diaphragm seal and constrictor ring can be more easily andpainlessly remove after use. The diaphragm seal is removed first. Thisis easily accomplished by gripping the handles and pulling the diaphragmback into its initial outwardly projecting cone shape. This outwardlyprojecting cone shape is more easily pulled off the enlarged malegenital. The removal of the diaphragm seal eliminates some of thepressure exerted on the genital. This allows some of the blood to flowout of the genital and reduces its enlarged state. The constrictor ringcan then be more easily removed from the partially deflated penis.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in combination with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a penile erection device of the presentinvention including a constrictor ring, a vacuum tube having a diaphragmseal at one end and a control plug on the other, and electric power pumpconnected to the control plug.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a constrictor ring of the presentinvention placed on a loading tube for installing the constrictor ringon the base of the male genital.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the constrictor ring with a four tabdesign.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the constrictor ring.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the constrictor ring.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the constrictor ring.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the diaphragm seal in a relaxedposition.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the diaphragm seal in the relaxed position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the diaphragm seal in a collapsedposition.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the diaphragm seal in the collapsed position.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13--13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the double flangedvacuum tube aligned with the control plug.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view showing the double flanged vacuum tubesecured to its open end and a control plug sealing the other end.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16--16 of FIG. 15showing the rounded inside surface of the open end of the double flangevacuum tube, the filter, the vacuum relief valve and the air flowpassageway in the control plug.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the diaphragm seal placed over theopen end of the double flange vacuum tube.

FIG. 18 is a partial side view showing the diaphragm seal placed overthe open end of the double flange vacuum tube.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19--19 of FIG. 18showing the placement of the outer end of the diaphragm seal between thedouble flanges of the open end of the vacuum tube.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an adapter having adouble flange design aligned to mate with the open end of a conventionalvacuum tube.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view showing the adapter.

FIG. 22 is a front elevated view showing the adapter.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23--23 of FIG. 22showing the double flange adapter design aligned with a conventionalvacuum tube.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the constrictor ring securedto the base of a flaccid male genital with the vacuum tube and diaphragmseal aligned to receive the male genital.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the penile erection deviceinstalled around the flaccid male genital with the diaphragm sealingdirectly around the male genital.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the penile erection deviceinstalled around a partially inflated male genital after a firstpredetermined amount of vacuum pressure has been produced inside thevacuum tube, with the root of male genital and the constrictor ringbeginning to be drawn into the tube, and with the diaphragm sealingagainst the constrictor ring to form a substantially air tight seal.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the diaphragm aftera second predetermined amount of vacuum pressure has been producedinside the vacuum tube, with the inner end of the diaphragm has invertedso that the diaphragm forms an "S" shape, and with a portion of the rootof the male genital drawn into the constrictor ring.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the constrictor ringsecured to the base of the penis, the diaphragm seal being in acollapsed position, and the diaphragm released from the vacuum tube.

FIG. 29 is a side view showing a constrictor ring secured to the base ofa partially deflated male genital after the diaphragm seal has beenremoved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 24, the present invention relates to a vacuumtype penile erection device for a male genital 10 having a shaft 12 witha surface 13, a base portion 14 and a root portion 16 located beneaththe surface of the groin 18 of an individual. The erection device 20includes a constrictor ring 30 placed around the base of the malegenital 10, a flexible diaphragm 80 that seals around the constrictorring and is secured to an open end of a vacuum tube 140. The malegenital 10 is then inserted through the diaphragm seal 80 and into thevacuum tube 140. A control plug 180 sealing an opposite end of thevacuum tube 140 is used in conjunction with an electric pump 200 toevacuate or removing air from the tube. The constrictor ring 30 anddiaphragm seal 80 combine to achieve an amount of pressure around thesurface 13 of male genital 10 necessary to maintain the genital in anerect position after the vacuum tube 140 is removed.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-7, the constrictor ring 30 is formed from anintegral piece or main body 31 of soft, durable and flexible rubber tofacilitate comfort and bending and stretching during use. Although theconstrictor ring 30 is preferably made of synthetic natural rubber, itshould be understood that other materials having similar characteristicsmay be used. The constrictor ring 30 has inner and outer ends 32 and 32and inside and outside surfaces 34 and 35. A tubular portion 40 islocated proximal the outer end 33. A conical portion 42 is locatedproximal the inner end 32. Four tabs or handles 45-48 project outwardlyfrom the inner end 32 of the conical portion 42. The tubular portion 40has a length of about 0.50 of an inch and thickness of about 0.045 of aninch. The conical portion 42 has a length of about 0.25 of an inch and avarying thickness due to its rounded inside surface 34 of the inner end32. The conical portion 42 is generally thicker than that of the tubularportion 40. The tubular portion 40 forms an opening having apredetermined diameter of about one inch at the outer end 33, but ringsof various diameters are provided to obtain a custom fit, as discussedbelow.

The inner and outer ends 32 and 33 of the constrictor ring 30 arerounded for comfort and ease of use. The inside surface 34 of the innerend 32 is rounded to a radius of about 0.25 of an inch to provide acomfortable fit and accommodate the typically increasing diameter of thebase 14 of the male genital 10. Although the inside surface 34 of theinner end 32 is rounded, it should be understood that the inside surfacemay have a different arcuate shape. The outside surface 35 of theconical portion 42 is chamfered at about a 45 degree angle. The outerend 33 of the constrictor ring 30 is rounded on both its inside andoutside surfaces 34 and 35 to a radius of about 0.01 of an inch. Theinside surface 34 of the outer end 33 is rounded to provide acomfortable fit. The outside surface 35 of the outer end 33 is roundedto facilitate sliding engagement of the inner shank 92 of the diaphragmseal 80 during use, as discussed below.

The inside diameter of the inside surface 34 of the tubular portion 40increases slightly and continuously heading away from outer end 33 andtoward inner end 32. The increase in inside diameter is more pronouncedin the conical portion 42 due to the rounding of the inside surface 34of the inner end 32 as discussed above. The continuously increasingdiameter of the inside surface 34 enables the individual to fit theconstrictor ring onto the base 14 of the penis 10 and helps maintain thering at this location during use. The continuously increasing diameterof the inside surface 34 also helps form the substantially air tightseal between the diaphragm 80 and the constrictor ring 30. Although theconstrictor ring 30 is shown as having a conical portion 42 with achamfered outside surface 35 that meets the tubular portion 40 at abouta 45 degree angle, it should be understood that the outside surface 35of the conical and tubular portions could form a continuous arcuate orrounded shape.

Each handle 45-48 projects from the conical portion 42 at a 90° anglefrom its adjacent handle. Each handle also has a common predeterminedwidth dimension. The handles 45-48 inhibit the conical portion 42 of theconstrictor ring 30 from stretching during use. The areas between eachof the tabs 45-48 form expansion joints 49 in the conical portion 42which tend to stretch more easily when vacuum is applied to the vacuumtube 220 and the base 14 of male genital 10 inflates. The handles 45-48have roughened areas 50 on their inside and outside surfaces 34 and 35to provide a more grippable surface.

As best shown in FIG. 24, the constrictor ring 30 is intended to beplaced on the base 14 of the male genital 10 so that the handles 45-48touch, but do not press into, the surface of the groin 18 of anindividual. The optimal results are believed to occur when theconstrictor ring 30 is placed on the base 14 of a flaccid male genital10 with the handles in this position. It is in this position that theroot 16 of the penis 10 is believed to be most effectively drawn intothe constrictor ring 30, as discussed below. A groove 55 is formed intothe inside and outside surfaces 33 and 34 of each handle 45-48 near theneck of the handle. These grooves 55 facilitate the bending of thehandle during use.

As shown in FIG. 2, a tubular shaped loader 60 having an open end 62with a diameter of about one and a half (11/2) inches is provided tofacilitate placement of the constrictor ring around the base 14 of themale genital 10. The constrictor ring 30 is inserted around a narrow end64 of the loader 60. The individual can then grip the handles 45-48 andslide the constrictor ring 30 down the length of the loader toward theopen end 62. The larger diameter of the open end 62 stretches thediameter of the tubular and conical portions 40 and 42 of theconstrictor ring 30 to facilitate placement on the base 7 of the flaccidpenis. The outer surface of the loader 60 may have longitudinal grooves66 running down the length of the loader, or it may have a smoothfinish. A radial alignment groove 68 having a depth of about an eighth(1/8) is formed in the outside surface near the open end 62 of theloader 60. The interaction between the alignment groove 68 and thestretched constrictor ring 30 is believed to cause the ring to quicklysnap off the loader 60 when the ring is pulled past the alignment grooveand over the edge of the open end 62 of the loader.

As shown in FIGS. 8-13, the diaphragm seal 80 is made of an integralpiece of soft, durable and flexible rubber to facilitate comfort andbending and stretching during use. Although the diaphragm seal 80 ispreferably made of synthetic natural rubber, it should be understoodthat other materials having similar qualities may be used. A productsimilar to the diaphragm seal 80 used in the present invention isavailable through Da Goang Assorted Co., Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan.

The diaphragm seal 80 has a tubular wall 82 that is molded to have anatural generally tubular shape. The tubular wall 82 has inside andoutside surfaces 84 and 85 and inner and outer ends 87 and 88. Thetubular wall 82 and inner and outer ends 87 and 88 are substantiallycentered about a central axis 90.

A shank 92 having a tear drop shaped cross-sectional area forms theinner end 87 of the diaphragm seal 80 and defines an inner opening 94having a predetermined diameter. The tear drop shaped shank 92 hasinside and outside surfaces 95 and 96. The tear drop shaped shank 92 hasa length of about 8 millimeters and a thickness of about 2.5millimeters. The length of the tear drop shaped shank 92 extends in asubstantially longitudinal direction around the inner opening 94. Thetear drop shaped shank is substantially parallel to and centered aboutthe central axis 90 of the diaphragm seal 80. The tear drop shaped shank92 is designed so that a portion of its length 98 running along eitherits inside or outside surface 95 or 96 engages the outside surface 35 ofthe tubular portion 40 of the constrictor ring 30.

A shank 100 having a substantially round cross-sectional area forms theouter end 88 of the diaphragm seal 80 and defines an outer opening 102having a predetermined diameter. The diameter of the outer opening 102is larger than the diameter of the inner opening 87. The round shapedshank 100 has a surface 104 and is substantially centered about axis 90.The tear drop shaped shank 92 has a diameter of about 4 millimeters. Thesurface 104 of the round shank 100 remains flush with the outsidesurface 85 of the diaphragm seal 80 and projects inwardly from theinside surface 84. The amount of material forming the round shank 100 isabout the same as the amount of material forming the tear drop shapedshank 92.

The tubular wall 82 has a first or top conical portion 110 located nearouter end 88, a second or middle conical portion 112, and a third orbottom portion 114 located near inner end 87. Top portion 110, middleportion 12, bottom portion 114 are integrally formed and have asubstantially uniform thickness of about 1 millimeter. Two handles 118are integrally formed to the diaphragm seal 80 and project outwardlyfrom the round shank 100. The shanks 92 and 100 are thicker and morestretch resistant than the walls of the tubular wall 82.

FIGS. 8-10 show the diaphragm seal 80 in a relaxed position 120. This isthe natural molded position of the diaphragm seal 80. The diaphragm sealtends to return to this position when compressed, twisted or otherwisealtered. In the relaxed position 120, the top portion 110 of the tubularwall 82 has a given slope or degree of incline with respect to thecentral axis 90. The middle portion 112 has a greater slope with respectto the central axis 90. The bottom portion 114 has a third slight degreeof slope with respect to the central axis 90. In the relaxed position120, the inner end 87 is spaced a predetermined distance along thecenter axis 90 from the outer end 88.

FIGS. 11-13 show the diaphragm seal 80 in a stable collapsed position125. Although this is not its natural molded position, the diaphragmseal 80 is designed to remain stable in this collapsed position 125,until the inner end 87 or tear drop shaped shank 92 is pushed or pulledout or away from the outer end 88 or round shank 100. In the compressedposition 125, the slope of the top portion 110 of the tubular wall 82 isreduced toward the outer end 88. The middle portion 112 has been bentback toward the outer end 88 so that it now has a negative slope oropposite degree of incline with respect to the central axis 90. Thebottom portion 114 and tear drop shaped shank 92 generally retain theirshape and degree of slope with respect to the central axis 90. In thecollapsed position 125, the inner end 87 and tear drop shaped shank 92are drawn a predetermined distance along the center axis 90 toward theouter end 88 and round shank 100.

FIGS. 17-19 show the diaphragm seal 80 secured to the vacuum tube 140 inan inverted position 130. The round shank 100 forming the outer opening102 is sized so that the outer end 88 can be stretched to snap fit overand seal against a flange of vacuum tube 140, as discussed below. Thethicker and more stretch resistant outer shank 100 helps maintain theair tight seal between the outer end 88 of the diaphragm seal 80 and thevacuum tube 140. The outside surface 96 of the tear drop shaped shank 92is now facing toward the central axis 90 and forms the inner opening 94.The handles 118 enable the individual using the device to easily releasethe diaphragm seal 80 from the vacuum tube 220 after the male genitalhas been inflated to an erect position, as will be discussed later.

The vacuum tube 140 and control plug 180 are shown in FIGS. 14-16. Thevacuum tube 140 has a generally cylindrically shaped tubular body 141.The tubular shaped body 141 has an inside surface 142 for receiving themale genital 10, an outside surface 143 and open ends 144 and 145 havinginside diameters of about two inches. The tube 140 is preferably made ofa rigid, transparent polypropylene having a thickness of about 0.1 inch.The tube 140 is designed to maintain its shape when at least about 24inches of mercury in vacuum pressure are achieved inside the tube. Thetube 140 has a thicker, more robust portion 147 near the opening forreceiving the control plug 180. The tube 140 is sized and shaped toaccommodate the male genital 10 of a variety of individuals.

First and second flanges 150 and 160 are located at one open end 144 ofthe tube 140. Both flanges 150 and 160 extend radially in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the outside surface 143 of the vacuumtube 140. The first flange 150 has an outer surface 152 that is flushwith open end 144 of the tube 140. The inside surface 142 of the openend 144 is curved to form a rounded portion. The rounded portion has aradius of about 1/4 inch, but could be larger if desired. The outersurface 152 of the flange 150 and the rounded portion form a blunt area155 that can be pressed against the groin of an individual withrelatively minimal pain when high vacuum pressures are achieved.

The second flange 160 is spaced a predetermined distance from the firstflange 150 to form a substantially U-shaped, positioning channel 165 forreceiving the round shank 100 of the diaphragm seal 80. The first flange150 has a height of about 3/8 inch from the inside surface 142 of thetube 140. This height permits the round shank 100 to be stretched overthe first flange 150 and snap fit into the positioning channel 165. Thesecond flange 160 has a greater height than the first flange 150. Thisgreater height does not readily permit the round shank 100 to stretchover the second flange 160. This facilitates the placemat and seating ofthe rounded shank 100 in the positioning channel 165 so that it restsagainst the first flange 150. The inside surface 84 of the first portion110 of the diaphragm wall 82 wraps around and lays against the outersurface 152 of the first flange 150 and the rounded portion of the openend 144 of the tube 140. The first flange 150 has a uniform height andthickness around the circumference of the open end 144 of the tube 140.The blunt area 155 is also uniformly shaped around the circumference ofthe open end 144 . This causes the diaphragm seal 80 to secure to overthe open end 144 of the tube 140 so that the center axis 90 of thediaphragm seal 80 aligns with a center axis 170 of the vacuum tube 140as shown in FIG. 19. This snap fit securement also produces asubstantially air tight seal between the diaphragm seal 80 and the tube140.

Control plug 180 has a main body 181 containing a first portion 182 withan outer surface 184, and a second portions 186. The outer surface 184of the first portion 182 has a diameter sized to be snugly received intothe open end 145 of the vacuum tube 140. The second portion 186 extendsfrom the open end 145 of the tube 140. Air can flow through the controlplug 180 via a passage way 188. A vacuum pressure relief valve 190 islocated on the second portion and is in communication with the passageway 190. An electric switch 191 is also located on the second portionfor activating and deactivating the pump 200 that removes air from theinside of the tube 140. A pressure gauge 192 is located on the face ofthe control plug 180 but could be located elsewhere if desired. Thecontrol plug 180 includes an air filter 193 for removing particles suchas powder that might otherwise clog the passageway 188, hose 202 or pump200. The second portion 186 has a slightly larger diameter to create aridge against which a gasket 195 can be placed. Gasket 195 is compressedbetween this ridge and the open end 145 of the tube 140 to form asubstantially air tight seal between the tube and the control plug 180.The control plug 180 includes a nippled outlet 197 at the end of thepassage way 190.

The pump 200 is used to evacuate or remove air from the vacuum tube 140.A flexible hose 202 connects the nippled opening 197 of the control plug180 to the pump 200. The pump 200 should be capable of achieving vacuumpressures in excess of 24 inches of mercury. The pump 200 should alsohave a safety valve or vacuum limiter (not shown) set to open at 24inches of mercury to prevent harmful vacuum pressures from beingimparted to the individual during use. In this way, the pump 200 canexperience a reduction in achievable vacuum pressure due to wear andtear over time, without affecting the performance of the device 20.While the preferred embodiment is shown to use an electric pump 200 forremoving or evacuating air from the tube 140, it should be understoodthat other evacuating means, such as a hand pump, could be employedwithout departing from the invention.

FIGS. 20-23 show an adapter ring 240 for use with a conventional vacuumtube 220. The conventional vacuum tube 220 is a generally cylindricallyshaped tube having a predominantly closed end 222, an open end 224 witha diameter of about two inches and an inside surface 225 for receivingthe male genital 10. The tube 220 is preferably made of a rigid,transparent plastic having a thickness of about 0.1 inch. The tube 220is designed to maintain its shape when at least about 24 inches ofmercury in vacuum pressure is achieved inside the tube. An outwardlyprojecting lip 227 is formed around a perimeter of the open end 224. Thelip 227 has a height of about 0.25 of an inch and its edges are roundedfor comfort. The predominantly closed end 222 of tube 220 has a nippledopening 228 through which air is removed from inside the tube 220. Thetube 220 is sized and shaped to accommodate the male genital of avariety of individuals.

The adapter 240 includes a ring 242 with an inside surface 244 forreceiving the male genital 10, an outside surface 245, and inner andouter ends 246 and 247 having inside diameters of about two inches. Thering 240 is preferably made of a rigid, transparent polypropylene. Thering 240 is designed to maintain its shape when at least about 24 inchesof mercury in vacuum pressure is exerted on the ring. The structure ofthe adapter ring 240 is similar to that of the flared open end 144 ofthe vacuum tube 140 and includes first and second flanges 250 and 260.

First and second flanges 250 and 260 are located at the outer end 247 ofthe ring 240. Both flanges 250 and 260 extend radially from in adirection substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis andoutside surface 245 of the ring 240. The first flange 250 has an outersurface 252 that is flush with outer end 247 of the ring 240. The insidesurface 244 of the outer end 247 is curved to form a rounded portion.The rounded portion has a radius of about 1/4 inch, but could be largerif desired. The outer surface 252 of the flange 250 and the roundedportion form a blunt area 255 that can be pressed against the groin ofan individual with relatively minimal pain.

The second flange 260 is spaced a predetermined distance from the firstflange 250 to form a substantially U-shaped, positioning channel 265 forreceiving the round shank 100 of the diaphragm seal 80. The first flange250 has a height of about 3/8 inch from the inside surface 244 of thering 240. This height permits the round shank 100 to be stretched overthe shank and snap fit into the positioning channel. The second flange260 has a greater height than the first flange 250. This greater heightdoes not readily permit the round shank 100 to stretch over the secondflange 260. This facilitates the placemat and seating of the roundedshank 100 in the positioning channel 265 so that is rests against thefirst flange 250. The inside surface 84 of the first portion 110 of thediaphragm wall 82 wraps around and lays against the outer surface 252 ofthe first flange 250 and the rounded portion of the outer end 247 of thering 240. The first flange 250 has a uniform height and thickness aroundthe circumference of the outer end 247 of the ring 240. The blunt area255 is also uniformly shaped around the circumference of the outer end247. This causes the diaphragm seal 80 to secure to over the outer end247 of the ring 240 so that the center axis 90 of the diaphragm seal 80aligns with a center axis 269 of the ring and conventional vacuum tube220. This snap fit securement also produces a substantially air tightseal between the diaphragm seal 80 and the ring 240.

The inner end 246 of the ring 240 includes a recess 270 that forms alongitudinal flange 272 extending around the circumference of the innerend of the ring. The longitudinal flange 272 has an inside surface 244that defines an outer opening having a diameter sized to snugly receivethe outwardly projecting lip 227 of the open end 224 of the conventionalvacuum tube 220. The recess 270 has an inner end 274 against which afirst gasket 280 may be placed. When vacuum pressure is applied, thegasket 280 is compressed between the adapter ring 240 and the open end224 of the conventional vacuum tube 220 to form a substantially airtight seal. A second or alternate gasket 285 may be secured around theoutside surface 226 and against the lip 227 of the conventional vacuumtube 220. The gasket is sized to snugly engage the inside surface 244 ofthe longitudinal flange 272 of the ring 240 to produce a substantiallyair tight seal between the ring 240 and the conventional vacuum tube220. A locking member 287 may be provided to help secure the alternategasket 285 to the vacuum tube 220.

Operation of the Device

Although the operation of the present invention should be understoodbased on the above description, the following is provided to more easilyexplain the operation of the device 20. The device 20 can be provided inthe form of a kit that can be purchased and taken to the privacy of anindividual's home. The kit includes the vacuum tube 140, control plug180 and pump 200, a plurality of diaphragm seals 80 each having an inneropening 94 of varying diameter, and a plurality of constrictor rings 30each having an outer end 33 of varying diameter that cooperates with oneof the diaphragms. The individual can then select the cooperatingdiaphragm seal 80 and constrictor ring 30 that comfortably andeffectively fit their male genital. The kit may also contain an adapterring 240 in lieu of the tube 140, control plug 180 and pump 200.

As shown in FIG. 2, the appropriate constrictor ring 30 is inserted ontothe loader 60 and slid down to its open end 62 by gripping and pullingon the handles 45-48. A dry powder, such as baby powder may be used tohelp decrease the force needed to slide the constrictor ring down theloader 60. The constrictor ring 30 is positioned over the radialalignment groove 68 near the open 62 end of the loader 60. Any kinks ordistortion in the tubular and conical portions 40 and 42 of theconstrictor ring caused by pulling on the handles 45-48 are removed whenthe ring is positioned over the alignment ring. The flaccid penis 10 isthen inserted into the open end 62 of the loader 60, and the constrictorring 30 is slid off the loader and onto the genital 10 as close to itsbase 14 as possible. By using the handles 45-48, the individual can workthe constrictor ring 30 into an optimal position where the insidesurfaces 34 of the handles rest against, but do not press into, thesurface of their groin 18. The constrictor ring should now be applying apredetermined amount of pressure to the surface 13 of the male genital.

As shown in FIG. 24, the tip of the male genital 10 is then aligned withand placed against the opening in the inner end 87 of the diaphragm seal80. The diaphragm seal is already secured to the open end 144 of thevacuum tube 140. The pump 200 is then activated via switch 191 on thecontrol plug 180 to begin drawing air out of the tube 140. This causesthe male genital 10 to be drawn into the tube 140 as shown in FIG. 25.Initially, the outside surface 96 of the tear drop shaped shank 92 ofthe inverted diaphragm 80 engages and seals against the surface 13 ofthe male genital 10. The seal is made along the engagement area 98 ofthe tear drop shaped shank 92. This seal enables the pump to obtain anintermediate amount of vacuum pressure inside the vacuum tube 140.Depending on the diameter size of the inner opening 94 of the diaphragmseal 80 selected and the characteristics of the male genital 10 of theparticular individual, the engagement area 98 should now be applying apredetermined amount of pressure to the surface 13 of the male genital.This intermediate amount of vacuum pressure causes the genital 10 tobegin inflating and begins to draw the root 16 of the genital 10 towardthe constrictor ring 30. The vacuum pressure also causes the constrictorring 30 to move toward the inner end 87 of the diaphragm 80.

When a first predetermined amount of vacuum pressure is achieved insidethe vacuum tube 140, the engagement area 98 of the tear drop shapedshank 92 of the diaphragm 80 engages the outer end 33 of the constrictorring 30 and slides up onto and seals against the outer surface 35 of thetubular portion 40 of the constrictor ring, as shown in FIG. 26. Thetubular portion 40 of the constrictor ring 30 and the engagement portion98 of the tear drop shaped shank 92 now combine to produce a largeramount of pressure to the surface 13 of the male genital 10 directlybeneath the tubular portion 40 and engagement area 98. This forms asubstantially air tight seal and enables the pump 200 to produce agreater amount of vacuum pressure inside the vacuum tube 140. Thegreater amount of vacuum pressure can be in the range of about 17 to 24inches of mercury below atmospheric pressure. The greater vacuumpressure causes the genital 10 to achieve a more inflated state anddraws the root 16 of the genital 10 into the constrictor ring 30 asexemplified by root point 17. The greater vacuum pressure is alsobelieved to cause some of the root 16 of the genital 10 to inflate. Theinflation of the base 14 and root 16 of the genital 10 cause the shaft12 to raise up to produce a more natural and usable erection as shown inFIG. 27. As the male genital 10 continues to inflate, it tends to growin diameter. Increases in diameter are resisted by the tubular portion40 of the constrictor ring 30 and the tear drop shaped shank 92 whichnow combine to apply total amount pressure to the surface 13 of the malegenital 10. Although the percentage of contribution of total pressureapplied by the tubular portion 40 or tear drop shaped shank 92 will varydepending on the size of the diameter of the ring and shank selected bythe individual, a roughly even 50/50 contribution is thought to bepreferable.

After the diaphragm 80 seals against the constrictor ring 30 and asecond predetermined amount of vacuum pressure of about 17 inches ofmercury is achieved inside the vacuum tube 140, the diaphragm 80 mayinvert so that the diaphragm forms an "S" shape as shown in FIG. 27.After the inversion into the collapsed "S" shape has occurred, theinside surface 84 of the tear drop shaped shank 92 is in contact withand seals against the outside surface 35 of the constrictor ring 30. Theamount of vacuum pressure needed to achieve the first and secondpredetermined amounts of pressure will vary from individual toindividual depending on a variety of factors such as the size, shape andcharacteristics of the male genital 10, diaphragm 80 and constrictorring 30.

The pump 200 is then turned off and the vacuum pressure relief valve 190is depressed to release the vacuum pressure from inside the tube 140.The individual then disconnects the diaphragm seal 80 from the vacuumtube 140 by use of the handles 118, as shown in FIG. 8. The diaphragm 80collapses into its collapsed position 125 against and remains on theconstrictor ring 30. The male genital 10 remains in its natural erectposition after the vacuum tube 140 is removed because it is believedthat some of the root 16 and 17 has been drawn into the constrictor ring30 so that the blood is retained in the inflated root. The constrictorring 30 and diaphragm seal 80 continues to apply the total amount ofpressure to the surface 13 of the male genital 10 beneath the tubularportion 40 of the ring 30 and the engagement area 98 of the tear dropshaped shank 92.

Removal of the diaphragm seal 80 and constrictor ring 30 is easilyaccomplished. Even though the male genital 10 remains inflated as inFIG. 28, the diaphragm seal 80 may be pulled off relatively easily bypulling on the handles 118 to return the diaphragm seal to its relaxedposition 120. Once in this relaxed position 120, the diaphragm seal 80can be pulled off the male genital 10 relatively easily as it has asloped tubular wall 82 and is only exerting roughly half the totalpressure to the surface of the male genital. Once the diaphragm seal 80has been removed, a reduction in pressure around the base 14 of thegenital 10 permits the genital to deflate to a reduced less swollenstate as in FIG. 29. When the genital 10 is in this reduced state, theconstrictor ring can be removed relatively easily.

Repeated use of the penile erection device 20 is believed to cause themale genital 10 of an individual having a given erect size to increaseto an enlarged erect size. This is believed to be accomplished byrepeatedly exposing the male genital 10 to vacuum pressures of about 16inches of mercury or more for a predetermined time interval.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics of the invention. The present examples and embodimentsof the invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to thedetails given herein.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. A non-invasive penile erection device for causing the erection of a male genital, said penile erection device comprising:a vacuum tube having an open end and an inside adapted to receive the male genital; a flexible diaphragm seal having inner and outer ends, said outer end sealing around said open end of said vacuum tube; and, a constrictor ring placed on the male genital, said inner end of said diaphragm sealing around said constrictor ring, said constrictor ring and diaphragm seal each contributing to a total amount of pressure applied around the male genital when in an inflated state.
 2. The non-invasive penile erection device of claim 1, and wherein said inner end of said diaphragm seal includes a tear drop shaped shank, and said tear drop shaped shank has a predetermined longitudinal length, and a portion of said longitudinal length of said tear drop shaped shank engages said constrictor ring.
 3. The non-invasive penile erection device of claim 1, and wherein said constrictor ring and said diaphragm seal each contribute about half of said total amount of pressure applied around the male genital when in the inflated state. 